Anytime validation for verification tokens

ABSTRACT

Systems and method for producing, validating, and registering authentic verification tokens are disclosed. Such systems and methods include generating verification token specific key pairs. The key pairs can be signed by a verification token manufacturer master key or public key certificate for an additional level of authenticity. Related methods and systems for authenticating and registering authorized verification token manufacturers are also disclosed. Once a verification token manufacturer is authenticated, it can be assigned a manufacturer-specific key pair or certificate and in some cases, a predetermined set of serial numbers to assign to the verification tokens it produces. Each serial number can be used to generate a verification token specific key pair specific to the associated verification token. One component of the verification token key pair can be stored to the verification token. Optionally, the component of the verification token key pair stored to the verification token can be signed by the manufacturer specific master key or certificate and stored a verification token public certificate.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/294,338, entitled “Anytime Reader DeviceValidation Service for Contactless Verification Tokens,” filed Jan. 12,2010, and is also related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/178,636, entitled “Dynamic Data Authentication,” filed May 15, 2009.Both provisional patent applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

As methods and devices for engaging in financial transactions haveincreased, old problems such as fraud and counterfeiting persist.

One of the primary sources of fraud, which is prevalent in the creditcard industry, is skimming. Skimming refers to the electronic copying ofa card's electronically stored data to create counterfeit cards. Oncethe counterfeit card is made, there is potential that it can be usedwith impunity for as long as the user or the issuing entity does notrealize or report that the transaction card's information has beencompromised. This problem is particularly prevalent in card-not-presenttransactions, such as online purchases and transactions where acounterfeiter need not be identified by a photo-ID that matches theinformation imprinted or stored on the transaction card or otherportable consumer device.

To combat such counterfeiting or other unauthorized use for online orother traditional card-not-present transactions, some issuing entitieshave started issuing contact and contactless card verification tokens,also referred to as verification tokens, to be used in conjunction witha user's computer. The card verification token can verify that the userperforming the transaction is in physical possession of the transactioncard. This stops potential fraud in which the fraudster has onlyobtained the information and not the transaction card itself. However,even the use of a verification tokens can allow various forms of fraud.

One such potential method of fraud is for counterfeiters or fraudstersto manufacture their own version of the card reader devices orverification tokens that are physically and operationally similar to theauthorized versions so as not to raise the suspicions of end users. Thefraudster can then distribute these fraudulent card reader devices orverification tokens to users that are configured to skim user data fromthe transaction cards whenever it is used in a transaction and have thatdata sent to a site or server operated by the counterfeiter. As such,there is a need to verify card reader devices or verification tokens areauthorized devices manufactured by a trusted source and not a fraudulentskimming device made and distributed by a counterfeiter or fraudster.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to addressing these and otherissues.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention include methods for authenticatingand registering a verification token manufacturer that includesreceiving a registration request from a verification token manufacturerat a server computer and retrieving information related to theverification token manufacturer from a database and generating amanufacturer specific key pair using the server computer. Otherembodiments can include performing a risk review based on theinformation related to the verification token manufacturer.

Other embodiments of the present invention, include both asymmetric andsymmetric methods for validating authenticating and registering averification token manufacturer which includes generating a manufacturerspecific key pair for the verification token manufacturer (asymmetric)or generating a master key (symmetric). The manufacturer specific keypair can comprise a public and a private component. Embodiments can alsoinclude signing the public component of the manufacturer specific keypair with using the payment scheme certificate authority (CA) andsending the verification token manufacturer key pair with the signedpublic component to the verification token manufacturer. Such methodscan also include associating the manufacturer specific key pair, the CAroot public key and the signed public component of the manufacturerspecific key pair with a verification token manufacturer identifier andstoring the associated reader-device manufacturer identifier in adatabase.

Various other embodiments of the present invention include methods forvalidating a verification token before it can be used to initiate atransaction. Such methods can include receiving a validation requestfrom a verification token and determining a verification token serialnumber based on the validation request. Such embodiments can includedetermining a registration status of the verification token serialnumber, determining a verification token manufacturer identifier basedon the validation request, and determining a first component of amanufacturer specific key pair based on the verification tokenmanufacturer identifier. Such embodiments can also include retrieving asecond component of the manufacturer specific key and a verificationtoken manufacturer master key from a database based on the verificationtoken manufacturer identifier and performing a mutual authenticationwith the verification token. Embodiments can also include performing amutual authentication comprising determining a verification token keybased on the verification token serial number and the verification tokenmanufacturer master key and establishing a verification token keysession based on the verification token key. Establishing a verificationtoken key session can also include generating a third component of themanufacturer specific key based on the verification token serial numberand a master key associated with the server computer.

Other embodiments of the present invention include methods for producingan authentic verification token. Such methods include generating aserial number for a verification token, generating a key pair includinga public component and a private component, signing the public componentof the key pair with a manufacturer specific private key, storing thesigned public component of the key pair to a memory in the verificationtoken together with the Certificate Authority (CA) root key andassociating the serial number with the key pair, the signed publiccomponent. Such embodiments can further comprise storing the serialnumber, a manufacturer identifier, code executable on a processor to thememory of the verification token. The code can include instructions fora processor to establish a connection with a verification server over acommunication session using a communication facility of a computer towhich the verification token is connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system that can benefit from variousembodiments of the present invention in the context of a payment cardtransaction conducted online.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary configuration that can implement variousembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a system for producing verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of validating and registering averification token manufacturer according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for producing verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a system for validating verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of validating verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a system for validating verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of validating verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of validating verification tokensaccording to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a computer system that be used to implement variousembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices,systems and methods for authenticating transaction card reader devicesor verification tokens for use in a transaction system. As used herein,the terms user token reader devices, token reader devices andverification tokens, can be used interchangeably to refer to any devicethat can be used to read information from and verify the presence orauthenticity of portable consumer devices, user tokens, or transactioncards. A verification token can include any combination of hardware,firmware and software suitable for reading, processing or sending datato and from a portable consumer device. Verification tokens can includeembedded devices, such as internal components, integrated circuits, andcomputer boards in a computer or communication device or peripheraldevices, such as USB devices or dongles which connect to or communicatewith a computing or communication device over a peripheral interface. Acommunication device can include any device suitable for sending,receiving and processing data including, but not limited to mobilephones, smart phones, PDAs, etc.

Portable consumer devices, user tokens or transaction cards comprisedevices that hold or store identification information pertaining to anaccount held by a user with another entity, which is typically an entitythat holds, extends, or credits items of value to the user (e.g.,monetary funds, credits, debts, etc.). The terms portable consumerdevice, user token or transaction card can be used interchangeably torefer to various forms of credit cards, charge cards, debit cards, bankcards, prepaid cards, access cards, security cards, and other cards thatidentify an account held by a user with another entity. The portableconsumer devices are capable of existing in both passive forms (e.g.,card with a magnetic stripe or RFID components) and active forms (e.g.,integrated circuit cards, smartcards), and further include portableelectronic devices that, in whole or in part, function as such cards.Such portable electronic devices can include memory cards, accounttokens, fobs, RFID devices, stickers, cellular telephones (includingnear-field communications phone), keychain devices (such as theSpeedpass™ commercially available from Exxon-Mobil Corp. or payWave™commercially available from Visa, Inc.), personal digital assistants,other mobile electronic devices, transponders, smart media, and pagers.

The identification information held by (e.g., embodied on) a portableconsumer device comprises at least an account number or otheridentifier, such as an account name or a portable consumer device serialnumber. The account number may comprise alphanumeric characters. Theidentification information may further comprise the name of the accountholder (e.g., the user), the expiration date of the card, service codes,and discretionary data. As an example, the identification informationmay include the conventional “payment data” stored on the tracks of themagnetic stripe of a conventional credit card (e.g., Track 1, Track 2,and/or Track 3).

The identification information of a portable consumer device is read bya reader, which is an electrical component of a verification token thatcan read the identification information from a portable consumer deviceand provide the identification information to another electricalcomponent. A reader may comprise one or more of the following: amagnetic stripe reader, a card contact reader, and a contactless reader,the latter of which is commonly known as an RFID reader (RFID being anacronym for radio-frequency identification). Readers are predominantlyfound at point-of-sales locations of merchants. However, increasingly,readers are included as part of a verification token given to users foruse on a personal computer to use in online transactions or otheractivities in which an issuing, acquiring, merchant or other entitycannot personally verify the identify of the authorized user or theauthenticity of the portable consumer device. This trend presents anopportunity to fraudsters and a corresponding risk of potential fraud tousers, issuers, and acquirers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system which can benefit from variousaspects of the invention and is described in detail to give context tovarious embodiments, but should not be considered limiting in anyway.The system in FIG. 1 is illustrated and described in the context of anonline purchase.

Transaction systems, like the one shown in FIG. 1, that use portableconsumer device can be susceptible to fraudulent manufacturers makingand introducing unauthorized verification tokens into the stream ofcommerce to skim user information, such as credit card numbers, fromunsuspecting users. To avoid the possibility of an unauthorizedmanufacturer from skimming user information during a transactionperformed with an unauthorized verification token, it is desirable topre-authenticate or pre-register a verification token before its use ispermitted to complete any transactions. Thus, embodiments provide a moresecure, and therefore for a more likely, for users to make onlinetransactions using portable consumer devices.

Shown in FIG. 1 are icons for a user 1, a portable consumer device 5, acommunication device 7 (such as a cell phone), a computer 10, amerchant's website 20, and a first communications network 31 thatenables the user's computer and the merchant's website to communicatewith one another. The first communications network 31 may include theInternet, a telecommunications network (e.g., a wireless network, cellphone network, a telephone network, a cable network, or any combinationthereof), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a homerouter or gateway coupled to one of the above networks, or anycombination of the above. Also shown in FIG. 1 is an acquiring bank 50for the merchant, an issuing bank 60 for the portable consumer device 5,a payment processing network 70, and a second communications network 32that enables the payment processing network 70 to communicate with eachof the banks 50 and 60.

The second communications network 32 may comprise the Internet (andtherefore may overlap and share facilities with the first communicationsnetwork 31), or may comprise one or more private networks, orcombination of one or more private networks with the Internet. A privatenetwork may comprise a telecommunications network, a wide area network(WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any combination thereof. In someinstances, the first and second communications networks 31 and 32 may bethe same (such as a network using the Internet as the backbone). Acommunications network generally comprises a network of one or morecommunications links and two or more nodes that pass messages from onepart of the network to another part. Each node comprises one or morepieces of electrical machinery, and each link may comprise one or moreof the following: optical fibers, optical links, radio links, andelectrical wires. The components described so far are, for the mostpart, conventional and arranged in a conventional manner.

Various embodiments of the present invention can be used toauthenticate, register or optionally update an embedded or peripheralverification token 40 prior to being used for the first time in atransaction system such the one shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments,preregistration or pre-authentication of verification tokens can becompleted without entering, sending, or otherwise using a user'sportable consumer device, such as an RFID card, or releasing any otheruser information. In some embodiments, a verification token can beauthenticated by having the verification token communicate with a hostserver over any suitable communication medium and implementing asymmetric or an asymmetric mutual authentication scheme. In suchembodiments, however, it is necessary to ensure that the verificationtoken technology or authentication scheme cannot be manufactured,reproduced, or distributed by an unauthorized manufacturer so thatfraudulent verification tokens cannot be introduced into the market toskim user data and transmit it to fraudsters. Since it is difficult tokeep such technology and schemes from being hacked or copied, it isadvantageous to take additional precautions. Various other aspects ofFIG. 1 will be described in more detail below in reference toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a configuration of a computer 10, various verificationtokens 40A, 40B, and 40C, and a portable consumer device 5 that can beused in implementations of various embodiments of the present invention.Computer 10 can include user interface devices, such as keyboard 250 anddisplay 260. Verification tokens 40A, 40B, and 40C can have a USBinterface or other peripheral interface that can connect to a peripheralinterface 16 on computer 10. The peripheral interface 16 on computer 10can be implemented as various standard or proprietary peripheralinterface protocols suitable for connecting a verification token to thecomputer 10. By pre-authenticating or pre-registering verification tokenmanufacturers and requiring specific practices and protocols for thosemanufacturers in the manufacture of authentic verification tokens,various embodiments of the present invention provide additional levelsof security against potential fraudsters from skimming sensitivepersonal or user account information using a fraudulent, counterfeit orotherwise unauthorized verification token.

Verification tokens 40A, 40B, and 40C can have USB interfaces or otherperipheral interface 46 that can connect to a peripheral interface 16 oncomputer 10. As shown in FIG. 2, computer 10 can include a display 260and input device 250 like the keyboard shown.

The peripheral interface 16 on computer 10 can be implemented as variousstandard or proprietary peripheral interface protocols suitable forconnecting a verification token to computer 10. Such standards caninclude USB, USB 2.0, Firewire™ (IEEE 1394), parallel and serial ports,etc. For example, verification token 40A can be a USB-based contactmagnetic strip reader, verification token 40B can be a USB or FireWire™based RFID reader, while verification token 40C can be some other typeof wireless portable consumer device reader that is embedded within thehardware computer 10 or internally connected to the motherboard orinternal bus.

The user can then present portable consumer device 5 to one or more ofthe compatible verification tokens to initiate, process, or otherwisecomplete a transaction using computer 10. However, prior to using theverification token in an actual transaction or authentication request,the authentication or validation entity/server can require that theverification token authenticate itself using various systems and methodsaccording to embodiments of the present invention. The basis of thesystems and methods for authenticating a verification token can includeprocesses, methods, and systems for the preregistration orpre-authentication of a verification token manufacturer and the actualmanufacture and programming of the verification tokens, which will bedescribed in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer 10 may comprise a desktop computer, alaptop computer, or any portable electronic device that has a networkingfacility and a peripheral interface for communicating with one or moreperipheral devices. Computer 10 has one or more processors 11, atangible computer-readable medium 12 coupled to processor(s) 11 thatstores instruction codes (software) that direct processor(s) 11 and thatstores data used by processor(s) 11, and a user interface 13 coupled toprocessor(s) 11. Networking facility 14 and peripheral interface 16 canalso coupled to processor(s) 11, with networking facility 14 also beingcoupled to first communications network 31. User interface 13 comprisesone or more video output devices (e.g., displays, screens) and one ormore input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, trackball, etc.) for user 1to receive information from computer 10 and to provide input to computer10.

Computer-readable medium 12 may comprise a combination of semiconductormemory and non-volatile storage, such as one or more disk drives and/ornon-volatile memory. Computer-readable medium 12 stores an operatingsystem for computer 10, which enables processes and applications to berun by processor(s) 11. The operating system provides services to theseprocesses and applications, and enables these processes and applicationsto access components of user interface 13, portions of computer-readablemedium 12, networking facility 14, peripheral interface 16, and othercomponents of computer 10. The operating system may be complex and fullfeatured, such as found on desk-top computers, or simplified, such asfound on cell phones, PDAs, and many other types of portable electronicdevices.

Networking facility 14 of computer 10 may comprise software and hardwarethat enable a process running on computer 10 to communicate with acommunications network, such as network 31, to send and receivemessages, data, and the like to one or more entities coupled to thecommunications network. The hardware of facility 14 may comprisededicated hardware separate from processor(s) 11, or the shared use ofprocessor(s) 11, or a combination thereof. The software of facility 14may comprise firmware, software stored in computer-readable medium 12 oranother computer-readable medium, portions of the operating system, or acombination of any of the preceding items.

Networking facility 14 is preferably a non-exclusive resource, allowingaccess to the communications network by other processes and applicationsbeing run by computer 10. Peripheral interface 16 of computer 10comprises a wired or wireless connection that enables a peripheraldevice (separate from computer 10) to communicate with the computer.Conventional wired connections include universal serial bus (USB)connectors (“USB ports”), serial ports, parallel ports, and PCMCIAports. Conventional wireless connections include infra-red (IR) basestations and Bluetooth™ base stations that are built into computer 10 orthat are coupled to a peripheral interface of computer 10.

In addition to reader 44 and peripheral interface 46, verification token40 further comprises a processor 41, a tangible computer-readable medium42 coupled to processor 41 holding data and codes that direct theoperation of processor 41, a security module 43 coupled to processor 41and adapted to securely store one or more encryption keys and to encryptand decrypt data for verification token 40, a reader 44 coupled toprocessor 41 and adapted to read portable consumer devices 5, and aperipheral interface 46 coupled to processor 41 and adapted tocommunicate to computer 10 by way of peripheral interface 16.

Processor 41 may comprise a conventional microprocessor, andcomputer-readable medium 42 may comprise a combination of semiconductormemory and non-volatile storage, such non-volatile memory.Computer-readable medium 42 can include the storage of several datumelements, processor codes that direct the operation of processor 41, andprocessor memory which processor 41 may use in carrying out its tasks.Referring back to FIG. 1, security module 43 may comprise encryption anddecryption circuitry (which may include one or more processors), and maycomprise one or more encryption keys stored in a secured memory.Security module 43 may also include firewall security circuitry thatprotects verification token 40 from attacks from hackers conductedthrough peripheral interface 16.

Reader 44 may comprise a convention reader. Peripheral interface 46 maycomprise a wired or wireless connection adapted to communicate withperipheral interface 16 of computer 10. Conventional wired connectionsinclude universal serial bus connectors (“USB ports”), serial ports,parallel ports, and PCMCIA ports. Conventional wireless connections mayinclude infra-red and Bluetooth™ remote stations. When using aconventional wired connection with peripheral interface 46, verificationtoken 40 may be detachably coupled to computer 10 at peripheralinterface 16, such as at a USB port connector.

Verification token 40 can also include various codes embodied oncomputer-readable medium 42 that direct data processor 41 to performrespective actions. A first code can direct data processor 41 tocommunicate with computer 10 by way of peripheral interface 46 so as togain access networking facility 14 of computer 10. The first code maycomprise code that directs data processor 41 to send a device driver tocomputer 10 and an instruction to install the device driver in thecomputer's operating system, wherein the device driver is a collectionof instructions to be run by computer 10 that enables computer 10 torecognize the verification token and communicate with the verificationtoken 40, and enables the token's data processor 41 to make functioncalls to various (API) of the computer's operating system, such as thoserelated to networking and accessing networking facility 14.

So called “self-installing” drivers are known to the art, and can beused here. They comprise one or more function calls to an applicationprogramming interface (API) of the computer's operating system, such asthe device manager's API. The first code may be configured to work witha selected operating system, such as Windows or Symbian OS, or may beconfigured to work with several operating systems. In the latter case,the first code may include several device drivers for the variousoperating systems, and instructions that query computer 10 for itsoperating system type and select (and install) the driver mostappropriate for the computer's operating system. The device drivers maybe stored in a section of computer-readable medium 42.

A second code of verification token 40 directs processor 41 to receiveidentification information read from portable consumer device 5 by thereader 44. The second code may include code that directs the processor41 to receive a universal resource identifier (URID) of a validationentity/server 80, as read from portable consumer device 5 by the reader44. These instructions may include conventional I/O instructions thatdirect the communications with reader 44. Different portable consumerdevice 5 may store and provide different URID's to different validationentities 80. A uniform resource identifier (URID) may comprise a uniformresource locator (URL), an Internet-protocol address (IP-address), orany other type of identifier that can identify an entity on acommunications network.

If a portable consumer device 5 does not provide a URID to validationentity/server 80, verification token 40 may store a URID to a default ora manufacturer specific validation entity/server 80. In someconfigurations, some verification tokens 40 may be co-branded withrespective issuing banks and only work for portable consumer devicesthat are co-branded with the same issuing banks, and each issuing bankmay have its own validation entity/server 80 with its own URID. In sucha configuration, these verification tokens 40 may store the URIDs totheir respective co-branded validation entities 80. Instead of, or inaddition to, this configuration, some verification tokens 40 may beassociated with respective payment processing networks 70, and each suchnetwork may have its own validation entity/server 80. In such aconfiguration, these verification tokens 40 may store the URIDs to theirrespective associated validation entities 80.

Accordingly, the second code of verification token 40 may be furtherconfigured to direct data processor 41 to only use a default URID storedby verification token 40, or to use a default URID if portable consumerdevice 5 does not provide verification token 40 with a URID tovalidation entity/server 80. As yet another implementation, verificationtoken 40 may include code that directs processor 41 to select one of anumber of URIDs stored in verification token 40 based on a bank numberprovided in the identification information or embedded in the accountnumber. The above further direction and codes may be implemented withconventional I/O instructions, memory access instructions, and CPUlogical and control instructions. One or more URIDs to validationentities may be stored in computer readable memory 42.

A third code of verification token 40 directs data processor 41 toestablish communications with validation entity/server 80 usingnetworking facility 14 of computer 10. The operating system of computer10 comprises one or more software modules and application programs,generically called “network services modules” herein, that can accessnetworking facility 14 and set up communication sessions to entities oncommunications network 31. Such network services modules includeMicrosoft's Windows Communications Foundation (e.g., .NET 3.0, .NET 4.0,etc.), Apple's CFNetwork Framework, the networking section of the Unixand Linux operating system kernels, the OS Services Layer and the BaseServices Layer of the Symbian operating system, Internet browsers, andthe like.

Each of these network services modules is non-exclusive (e.g., capableof serving more than one processor and more than oneprocess/application) and provides an application programming interface(API) to a collection of functions that a processor can access usingrespective function calls. With these API facilities, a collection offunction calls can be readily constructed for a processor to executethat enables the processor to establish a communications channel with anentity on a communications network coupled to networking facility 14,and to exchange messages and data with the entity.

The third code of verification token 40 comprises such a collection offunction calls to the API of a network services module of computer 10,including one or more function calls that provide the universal resourceidentifier (URID) for validation entity/server 80 and an instruction toestablish a session with the validation entity. The session may be asecure socket layer (or secure transport layer) session (e.g., SSLsession) with mutual authentication. As part of establishing the sessionin some implementations, the third code of verification token 40 mayinclude directing data processor 41 to provide, or to cause to beprovided, a network address for the token to the computer's networkservices module and to validation entity/server 80. The network addressmay be static or dynamic, the latter of which may be obtained throughAPI function calls to the computer's network services module. Thenetwork address may an IP address.

If verification token 40 is configured to use an Internet browser for anetwork services module, it may further comprise API function calls tothe computer's operating system to initiate an instance of the browserand provide it with access to the browser instance. In someimplementations, such as when verification entity 40 stores the URID ofvalidation entity/server 80, the third code may direct the dataprocessor 41 to establish communications with validation entity/server80 well before user 1 presents portable consumer device 5 to reader 44.Verification 40 and validation 80 may keep the communication sessionactive until device 5 is presented to reader 44, and between times thatdevice 5 is presented to reader 44, by intermittently exchanging“heartbeat” messages. For example, verification token 40 mayperiodically, aperiodically, or randomly send messages to validationentity/server 80 confirming its presence in the session, and validationentity/server 80 may send a reply message confirming its presence in thesession.

A fourth code of verification token 40 directs the data processor 41 totransmit at least a portion of identification information to validationentity/server 80 by way of networking facility 14 of computer 10,wherein the identification information is transmitted in encrypted form.If an SSL session has been established, the fourth code may direct dataprocessor 41 to pass the identification information to the computer'snetwork services module using appropriate function calls to the API forthe network services module, and the identification information may betransmitted in the SSL session, where the transmitted and received dataare encrypted by a session key. For an additional layer of security, thefourth code may further comprise code that directs processor 41 toencrypt the identification information with the help of security module43 using an encryption key stored in token 40 before providing it tonetworking facility 14. These instructions may include conventional I/Oinstructions that direct the communications with security module 43 topass the identification information to module 43 and to receive back theencrypted information. An encryption key for this may be stored incomputer-readable medium 42 or in security module 43.

The use of function calls to various application programming interfaces(APIs) of the operating system of computer 10 its support modules,facilities, and its applications is well known to the software art, andone of ordinary skill in the art will be able to construct instructionsand API function calls to implement the above-described codes and tasksin view of this disclosure without undue experimentation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a system 300 for registering and authenticatingverification token manufacturers according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. System 300 can include a validation entity/server 80connected to a communication network, such as first communicationnetwork 31. Via communication network 31, validation entity/server 80can also be coupled to a database 303, issuing bank 60, and a number ofverification token manufacturers 305, 307, and 309. Validationentity/server 80 can be operated by an issuer, an acquirer, a merchant,or a payment processing network 70, such as Visa Net™.

Validation entity/server 80 can be configured and/or programmed torequire that a verification token manufacturer that wishes tomanufacture authentic or otherwise approved verification tokens tosubmit a registration or validation request. In some embodiments,validation entity/server 80 can host a website or other user interfaceso verification token manufacturers 305, 307, or 309 can download theappropriate forms and/or specifications regarding the information thatthe validation entity/server 80 requires to ultimately validate orregister a verification token manufacturer.

Verification token manufacturers can gather all the requisiteinformation and then submit a registration or validation request tovalidation entity/server 80 in action 1. The forms, instructions, orspecifications provided by validation entity/server 80 can require thatthe registration requests include verification token manufacturerspecific information such as manufacturer name, location, businessreferences, or any other information that the validation entity/server80 can use to access information regarding the requesting verificationtoken manufacturer or to evaluate the legitimacy of the requestingverification token manufacturer. The validation entity/server 80 can usethe information submitted in the registration request to gather andevaluate information regarding the requesting verification tokenmanufacturer to determine whether the requesting verification tokenmanufacturer is a trustworthy or legitimate entity.

In some embodiments, the determination as to the trustworthiness orlegitimacy of a requesting verification token manufacturer can be basedon internal risk analysis protocols of the entity that operates thevalidation entity/server 80 in action 2. For example a paymentprocessing network, such as a credit card payment processing network,can apply its own internally developed risk and fraud managementprotocols to evaluate each requesting verification token manufacturer.In some embodiments, when the validation entity/server 80 receives aregistration request from a verification token manufacturer, it canparse the information from the registration request to construct queriesand/or requests of its own for the purpose of gathering backgroundinformation regarding the requesting verification token manufacturer. Insome embodiments, validation entity/server 80 can query variousdatabases such as database 303 for background information regarding therequesting verification token manufacturer.

In embodiments in which the validation entity/server 80 is operated byan entity that does not have its own risk or fraud management protocols,the validation entity/server 80 can send the registration requests forinformation from the registration request to an external analysisservice or entity to determine whether to register or validate therequesting verification token manufacturer in action 2. For example,validation entity/server 80 can send registration request information,or a request or inquiry containing registration request information, todatabase 303 to determine if the requesting verification tokenmanufacturer is listed with a particular status or designation.

Specifically, database 303 can be a law enforcement or industry rundatabase that lists known fraudsters or counterfeiters based on criminalconduct, consumer complaints or civil litigation reports. Alternatively,database 303 can also list entities based on their trustworthiness,credit score, industry ranking or rating or other telltale indicationsthat the requesting verification token manufacturer is likely to be atrustworthy or legitimate manufacturer. In yet other embodiments,database 303 can be constructed, operated, and maintained by the sameentity that operates the validation entity/server 80.

Based on the results of the internal or external fraud or riskmanagement protocols, validation entity/server 80 can determine whetherthe requesting verification token manufacturer will be deemedtrustworthy and, consequently, registered as a trusted verificationtoken manufacturer in action 3. Once the determination is made as towhether the requesting verification token manufacturer will beregistered as a trusted or legitimate manufacturer, validationentity/server 80 can send a response message or registration message tothe requesting verification token manufacturer in action 4. In the casethat the validation entity/server 80 determines that the requestingverification token manufacturer does not represent a suitable riskaccording to the risk tolerances of the validation entity/server 80, theoperating bank, payment processing network, issuer etc., validationentity/server 80 can send a response message that includes an indicationthat the registration request has been denied.

In such embodiments, the response message that includes an indication ofdenial can also include an explanation or other indication as to why theregistration request was denied. In addition, validation entity/server80 can register an identifier associated with the denied verificationtoken manufacturer as a previously or currently denied verificationtoken manufacturer. In such embodiments, a list of denied verificationtoken manufacturers can be stored in a table or in database 303. Suchlists of denied verification token manufacturers can also include thereason or deficiencies for which the verification token manufacturer wasdenied. If a denied verification token manufacturer submits a newvalidation request, the validation entity/server 80 can reference thelist of the denied verification token manufacturers in addition to or insubstitute of applying fraud or risk management protocols.

In the event that the response or registration message includes anapproval or validation of the requesting verification tokenmanufacturer, the response or registration message can also includeadditional information regarding the manufacture, standards andprogramming of registered or validated verification tokens. For example,the registration message can include a verification token manufactureridentifier, a verification token specific key, the key can include asymmetric key pair, an asymmetric key pair, seed key or code that mustbe used in manufacturing and configuration of the verification tokens.In some embodiments, components of the asymmetric key pair, asymmetrickey pair, seed key or code can be signed by a master authenticationcertificate held by the validation entity/server 80, an issuing bank 60or other entity that operates the validation entity/server 80. Forexample, verification token manufacturer 305 can receive a registrationresponse message which indicates a manufacturer specific identifier, anasymmetric key pair of which the public component has been signed by themaster certificates held by validation entity/server 80. Theregistration response message can also include a set, range, oralgorithm for approved serial numbers that the verification tokenmanufacturer can assign to the verification tokens it manufactures.

In yet other embodiments, the registration or response message caninclude instructions, directions, URLs or other addresses with which therequesting verification token manufacturer can access or obtainrequirements and specifications for manufacturing authorizedverification tokens. The requirements, specifications, or instructionscan be general and applicable to all authorized verification tokenmanufacturers, or can be specific to one particular authorizedverification token manufacturer. In other embodiments, requirements,specifications, and instructions sent or otherwise provided to anauthorized verification token manufacturer can be a combination ofgeneral and specific requirements, specifications, and instructions.

Once an authorized verification token manufacturer receives an approvedregistration response message and accesses the requirements,specifications and instructions for producing verification tokens, itcan begin manufacturing verification tokens. For example verificationtoken manufacturer 305 can produce contact-based magnetic stripe readerverification tokens 311 in action 5. Likewise, verification tokenmanufacturers 307 and 309 can produce contactless RFID verificationtokens as well as other wireless verification tokens 313 and 315according to the specific requirements, specifications, and instructionsprovided to each individual verification token manufacturer.

For example, each verification token manufacturer can be required toimprint, etch, store, or otherwise include a manufacturer specificidentifier in each verification token it produces. Additionally, eachverification token can include a serial number from which otherinformation, such as encryption information, can be derived, ordetermined. In some embodiments, the serial number of a particularverification token can be associated with a specific cryptographicalgorithm or key pair. The verification token manufacturers can sharesuch information with the validation entity/server 80. In suchembodiments, the verification token, as produced by the verificationtoken manufacturer, and the validation entity/server 80 can sharevarious secret information for producing, determining, challenging andresponding to one another using cryptographic information.

When the verification tokens are manufactured, the verification tokenscan be distributed to users to be used with their compatible portableconsumer devices, such as credit cards, debit cards, key fobs, etc.

Once distributed to a user, verification token may be required to beauthenticated by the validation entity/server 80 before it can be usedin conjunction with a portable consumer device or in any type ofnon-validation transaction. Code can be included in the computerreadable medium 42 for prompting the user or instructing the processor11 to use and authenticate the verification token. Instructions, whichcan be paper-based or electronic, may direct the user to couple theverification token to the user's computing device, such as a laptop ordesktop computer. Once the verification token is coupled to the user'spersonal computing device, executable code that can be included on acomputer readable medium 42 in the verification token 40 can be executedby the processor 11 of computer 10. In other embodiments, the executablecode can be included on a separate computer readable medium, such as anelectromagnetic, optical, or flash based drive, delivered along with theverification token. In yet other embodiments, the executable code can bedownloaded from the validation entity/server 80 or another serverassociated with the validation entity/server 80. In some embodiments,the download site can be provided by a website hosted on the validationentity/server 80 or another server associated with the validationentity/server 80.

In some embodiments, executable code can include instructions for thenetworking facility 14 of the computer 10 to connect with the validationentity/server 80 over one or more communications network, such as theInternet. In such embodiments, executable code can be executed locallyon the user's computing device or on a remote server, such as thevalidation entity/server 80 to complete one or more initial orsubsequent validation programs or protocols. The executable code caninclude a fully automated validation protocol or a protocol thatrequires various user inputs or interaction.

For example, the executable code can include instructions to provide auser interface that prompts the user to enter user or verification tokenspecific information for submission to the validation entity/server 80.In other embodiments, the verification token can complete an automatedvalidation in the background without the need for user interaction,interference, or input. In any of such embodiments, the users computingdevice can send and receive validation or information according to therequirements of the validation entity/server 80 for validating theverification token.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of thepresent invention for registering a verification token manufacturer toreduce or eliminate the possibility of an unauthorized verificationtoken manufacturer from skimming user account information from aportable consumer device without the user's knowledge. All manufacturersof authorized verification tokens, regardless of whether theverification token is embedded into a computing or communication deviceor added as peripheral device such a USB device, can be required toregister themselves as manufacturers with a validation entity/server 80that operates within or in cooperation with one or more transactionsystems. This setup phase and registration process can include theactions discussed above in reference to FIG. 3.

In action 410 of the method 400 shown in FIG. 4, the validationentity/server 80 can receive a request from a verification tokenmanufacturer to register with the validation entity/server 80 ortransaction system operator, such as a payment processing network 70.Next, in action 420, the validation entity/server 80 or the transactionsystem operator can perform a risk review of the manufacturers accordingto various internal and external risk protocols. Such reviews caninclude reference to both internal databases and outside databases ordata sources such as credit reporting bureaus, fraud reporting bureaus,and law enforcement agencies. If the risk review is satisfactory to thehost server or transaction system operator, then a manufacturer-specifickey pair can be assigned to each manufacturer in action 430. In someembodiments the verification token manufacturer can generate themanufacturer-specific key, while in other embodiments, the validationentity/server 80 or transaction system operator can generate themanufacturer-specific key. The manufacturer-specific key can be either asymmetric key pair or an asymmetric key pair.

The validation entity/server 80 or the transaction system operator cancreate verification token manufacturer master key (KMC) that can beshared between manufacturer and the verification entity/server duringregistration in action 440. The keys and key pairs described herein caninclude symmetric, asymmetric, or other cryptographic type keys.

In action 450, the validation entity/server 80 can sign one component ofthe verification token manufacturer key pair to provide an additionallevel of verification when communicating with the verification token.The verification-token manufacturer can send one part of themanufacturer specific key pair, i.e. the public half of the key pair tothe validation entity/server 80 to obtain a manufacturer-specific key orpublic key certificate to bind the key or public key to the verificationtoken manufacturer. The key or public key certificate can includevarious manufacturer-specific information. For example, the key orpublic key certificate can include the manufacturers name or identifier,address, phone number, or any other information that can be used toverify that the key or public key belong to the manufacturer.

In such embodiments, the verification entity/server 80 or theverification token manufacturer 305, 307, or 309 or the verificationtoken share a secret. The validation entity/server 80 can then send theverification token manufacturer specific key, with or without the signedcomponent, to the approved/registered verification token manufacturer.Optionally, the validation entity/server 80 can send manufacturingspecifications, requirements, or serial numbers to the registeredverification token manufacturers according to which the registeredverification token manufacturers can produce verification tokens.

Once a manufacturer is registered, it can begin creating verificationtokens. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for making verificationtokens according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method500 can be performed by a verification token manufacturer that isregistered with or otherwise approved by a validation entity/server. Foreach verification token, the verification token manufacturer cangenerate or produce a serial number in action 510. In some embodiments,the serial numbers can be generated or otherwise selected from set ofserial numbers assigned to the verification token manufacturer. In suchembodiments, the set of serial numbers can be represented by a finiteset of numbers, an algorithm for producing random or quasi random serialnumbers or other methodology for producing serial numbers that may ormay not be associated with the verification token manufacturer. Inembodiments in which the set of serial numbers are associated with theverification token manufacturer, the validation entity/server 80 can usethe verification token serial number to determine the verification tokenmanufacturer and/or verification token specific information, such asverification token specific key pairs or verification token amanufacturer master key (KMC) or certificate that can be used forencrypting or decrypting information sent between the verification tokenmanufacturer and verification token.

Some embodiments can use a PKCS standard certificate requirement, thecertificate/signature can include (1) a verification token serial numberand (2) a manufacturer name or identifier. Additionally, themanufacturer can derive a key based on the KMC and the verificationtoken serial number and these can be stored in computer readable medium42 on the verification token. The verification tokens can then beshipped and distributed.

At action 520, the verification token manufacturer can generate a keypair for each verification token it manufacturers or issues. The keypair can include a public and private component. The key pair can be asymmetric or an asymmetric key pair. The key pair can be verificationtoken specific and unique to the verification token manufacturer thatmade the verification token. In other embodiments, the key pair for aparticular verification token can be unique across all verificationtokens, independent of the verification token manufacturer that made theverification token.

For an additional level of security, each component of the verificationtoken key pair written to or stored on the verification token can besigned by a master or CA certificate or private key at action 530 tocreate verification token public certificate. Specifically, theverification token public key can be signed by the verification tokenmanufacturer's private key. In such embodiments, the verification tokenpublic certificate can include the verification token serial number orother identifier.

In some embodiments, the master or CA root key is associated with theverification token manufacturer, while in other embodiments, the masteror CA root key can be associated with a validation entity/server. Insuch embodiments, the master or CA root key signed public component ofthe verification token key pair can be verified and/or decrypted by avalidation entity/server.

Once the key pair, serial number and/or the public key certificate aregenerated for the verification token, all or some components of the keypair, serial number and/or the public certificate can be stored orwritten to a memory in the verification token in action 540. Similarly,the verification token public certificate and/or the manufacturer publickey can also be stored on the verification token. In some embodiments,only one component of the key pair is stored or written on theverification token. In such embodiments, it is advantageous to writeand/or store the public component or the signed public component of thekey pair to the verification token, while keeping the private componentsecret. Storing the key pair components, or other information, to theverification token can include storing information to a memory or securememory.

Once the key pair is generated and written to or stored to theverification token, the private components of the key pair can be sharedbetween the verification token manufacturer, the validationentity/server or other trusted entity. In some embodiments, the sharedinformation can include an association of the key pair to the serialnumber, the verification manufacturer or a verification tokenmanufacturer identifier.

Optionally, the serial number and a manufacturer identifier can bestored/written to the memory on the verification token in action 550.Finally, in action 560, the verification token manufacturer can alsowrite/store executable validation software and or a web address forauthentication validation server to the memory or secure memory of theverification token. The executable software code can includeinstructions for directing a processor in a computer to which theverification token can be connected to initiate each communicationsession over a communication medium via the computers communicationfacility to validate the verification token.

Whenever a user chooses, but especially on receipt of a new verificationtoken, he or she can initiate one or more processes to register and/orvalidate the verification token. FIG. 6 is a schematic of a system 600that can be used to validate and/or authenticate a verification token40. Before portable consumer device 5 is presented to verification token40 to initiate a transaction, the user can be required to or choose tofirst validate and/or authenticate verification token 40 to validationentity/server 80.

In some embodiments, to validate verification token 40 the user can (1)logon to a website operated by the validation entity/server 80; (2)using HTTPS or other security protocol, the website can instruct theuser to insert the verification token if the user has not already doneso; (3) the website can request and validate the verification tokencertification or key pair/key pair components using the manufacturer'skey; (4) then the website can generate a random number and request theverification token to sign this number; (5) the website can validate thesignature and display a message to the user that the verification tokenis valid; and (6) the website can also display the verification tokenserial number which can be etched onto the verification token itself.

In other embodiments, the user can ne instructed to go to a validationwebsite. The prompt can come in the form of a letter, an email, an SMSor by an executable code or static file stored on the verificationtoken. The instruction may or may not include a hyperlink to thewebsite. It is advantageous for the instruction to not include ahyperlink or URL and simply a message that instructs the user to logonto a trusted website at which the user may already have a registeredaccount. This manual aspect of navigating to the validation websitehelps prevent fraudsters or makers of fraudulent verification tokensfrom directing users to a fake or fraudulent website and fooling theusers into “validating” the fraudulent verification token with the fakewebsite to skim sensitive user information. While viewing the validationwebsite, the user can be prompted to enter a random or semi-randomnumber. The random number may be generated by the validation server, thewebsite, the user's computer, the verification token or simply be anumber of the user's choosing.

The random number can then be sent to verification token reader andsigned by one of the verification token's keys, i.e. the private key.The reader can then return the signed number, the reader publiccertificate and the manufacturer public key certificate to validationserver/entity 80. The validation server/entity 80 can then validate thenmanufacturer public key certificate using the validation server/entity80's root or master key. The validation server/entity 80 can alsoextract and validate the reader public key using the manufacturer publickey. The validation server/entity 80 can then validate the serial numberand the manufacturer name or identifier against the registry ofauthenticated or registered verification token manufacturers. Finally,the validation server/entity 80 can validate the singed random numberusing the verification token public key.

In another embodiment, the user can connect verification token 40 tocomputer 10 via a peripheral interface. Once connected to computer 10,verification token 40 can automatically or at the prompt of the userinitiate one or more segments of executable code using the processor ofcomputer 10 or a processor built into verification token 40. In eitherof such embodiments, computer 10 can send a validation request tovalidation entity/server 80 using its communications facilities over acommunication medium such as the Internet, in action 1. The validationrequest can include various public and secret information regardingverification token 40. For example, the validation request can includethe public component of the verification token 40 specific key pair, theserial number of verification token 40, a random number generated and orsigned by verification token 40 or computer 10 or a challenge inquiry.

The validation entity/server 80 can receive the validation request fromcomputer 10 in action 2. Validation entity/server 80 can receive thevalidation request over any suitable communication medium connectingcomputer 10 validation entity/server 80. In some embodiments, validationentity/server 80 can parse various pieces of information from thevalidation request. For example, validation entity/server 80 can parsethe public component of the verification token 40 specific key pair, theserial number of verification token 40, a random number generated and orsigned by verification token 40 or computer 10 or a challenge inquiry.Based on the information parsed from the validation request,validation/server 80 can retrieve or otherwise produce informationassociated with verification token 40.

For example, validation entity/server 80 can use the serial number ofvalidation token 40 to produce, determine and/or retrieve a privatecomponent of a key pair associated with verification token 40. In otherembodiments, validation entity/server 80 can use a manufactureridentifier parsed from the validation request to determine if the serialnumber in the validation request is consistent with serial numbersassigned to and/or produced by that verification token manufacturer.Validation entity/server 80 can use any and all information parsed fromthe validation request to retrieve any and all information associatedwith a particular verification token 40, verification token manufactureror a user associated with the verification token 40.

In some embodiments, validation entity/server 80 can parse averification token identifier or serial number for verification token 40from the validation request in action 2. The validation entity/server 80can check if the parsed verification token identifier or serial numberhas been previously validated in action 3. In some embodiments, if theparsed verification token identifier or serial number has previouslybeen validated, validation entity/server 80 can return a validationmessage to computer 10 in action 4, at which point, the user can presenta portable consumer device 5 to verification token 40 to initiate atransaction. In other embodiments, validation entity/server 80 can,along with the validation message, send verification token informationupdate instruction.

In some embodiments, verification token information update instructioncan include computer readable code for instructing the processor ofcomputer 10 to rewrite some or all of the information stored onverification token 40. For example, one or more components of the keypair associated with verification token 40 can be replaced with the newcomponents of a key pair newly associated with verification token 40.Updates to verification token information stored on verification token40 may only be allowed or be restricted to validation entity/server 80when it can establish a secure key session communication session.

In some embodiments, at action 3, validation entity/server 80 canperform a mutual authentication and establish a key session withcomputer 10. The key session between computer 10 and validationentity/server 80 can be established by validation entity/server 80generating a random number or other challenge message, signing thatrandom number or challenge message with the component of the key pairassociated with the verification token 40 and sending the signedinformation back to the verification token 40. Verification token 40 candecrypt the signed information and send back the correct responseaccording to the decryption using the component of the key pair storedon verification token 40.

In some embodiments, the component of the key pair stored onverification token 40 is signed by a master or CA root key associatedwith the verification token manufacturer or the validation entity/server80. In such embodiments, the decrypted response received fromverification token 40 must then be decrypted using the master or CA rootkey to further authenticate the authenticity of the verification token40. In either such embodiments, validation entity/server server 80 canreceive the response from verification token 40. Based on the responsereceived from verification token 40, validation entity/server 80 candetermine whether the verification token 40 is authentic, valid orotherwise produced by a trusted verification token manufacturer who hasundergone and received authorization to produce verification tokens. Ifverification token 40 is determined to be valid, it can then be usedwith portable consumer device 5 to initiate transactions. A message tothis effect can be sent to computer 10 from validation entity/server 80to two further activate the verification token 40 or instruct computer10 to subsequently use verification token 40 initiate a transaction, inaction 4.

In the events that verification token 40 is determined to be fraudulentor otherwise invalid, that verification token, or any informationassociated with it, such as verification token serial number or ID, canbe listed as a potentially fraudulent verification token and blockedfrom being used for transactions.

In the case that verification token 40 has not previously been validatedby validation entity/server 80, validation entity/server 80 can storethe newly validated verification token serial number or identifier intoa database of 603 for later retrieval and confirmation of previousvalidation of verification token 40 in action 5. In some embodiments,validation entity/server 80 can inform issuing bank 60 that verificationtoken 40 has either successfully been validated by validationentity/server 80 for initiating transactions using portable consumerdevice 5 in action 6. Alternatively, issuing bank 60 can be informed ofa potentially fraudulent portable verification token has been attempt atbeing validated.

Methods, systems, and servers according to various embodiments of thepresent invention include advantages over existing means for deterringor stopping fraudsters from introducing fraudulent verification tokensinto the stream of commerce to skim sensitive user information. Variousembodiments of the present invention include multi-layer or multi-partvalidation schemes to prevent fraudsters from producing and validatingfraudulent verification tokens that might fool a validationserver/entity, thus further reducing the chance of skimming userinformation. For example, the manufacturer public certificate producedby the validation server/entity and stored on the verification token canhelp better ensure that the validation server/entity has had a previousauthentication interaction with the maker of the particular verificationtoken. Then only the validation server/entity that has access to themanufacturer-specific master or CA root key or master or CA rootcertificate can retrieve, decrypt or otherwise extract the verificationtoken public key from the verification token public certificate usingthe manufacturer public key retrieved/generated based on the validationof the manufacturer public key certificate.

The manufacturer public key certificate, or means for generating one,i.e. the validation server/entity's master or CA root key orcertificate, would not be available to an unauthenticated verificationtoken manufacturer, and thus, such a fraudulent manufacturer could notgenerate a certificate that could be used to generate/validate anauthentic verification token public certificate or verification tokenpublic key that would match the private key stored on the verificationtoken. Without such information, a user who visits a trusted website tovalidate a verification token could not be fooled into validating afraudulent, or otherwise unauthentic, verification token. These featuresgreatly increase the security of verification tokens used for conductingfinancial and other transactions using portable consumer devices, i.e.credit and debit cards, initiated from a user terminal at a locationseparate from a merchant or other entity that might otherwise verify theauthenticity of the portable consumer device or user. These features canfurther be enhanced by requiring the user manually or otherwiseindependently navigate to a website to initiate the validation processso as to curtail the possibility of a fraudulent verification tokenautomatically navigating to a fraudulent validation website.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for performing a first time useor registration of a verification token. During the process describedabove, the validation entity/server can check whether the verificationtoken has been previously validated. If the serial number is not in adatabase of previously validated verification tokens, the followingprocedure can be performed prior to first time use.

In action 710 the validation entity/server can derive the key of theverification token using the serial number and the master or CA root keyregistered at the validation entity/server for that verification tokenmanufacturer. At action 720, the validation entity/server can perform amutual authentication and establish a session key using either a derivedverification token key or a standard procedure based on Global PlatformSCPOI or 02 or EMVco card personalization standard. Next, in action 730,if the mutual authentication is successful, then the verification tokencan allow read, write and update access.

At action 740, under the session key, the validation entity/server canreplace the existing key component stored on the verification token witha new key component derived using the verification token serial numberand a master key (MDK). Any other needed data can be written at thispoint and the user can optionally register at this time. In action 750,the verification token can allow write/update access if mutualauthentication with the new key component takes place. Finally, inaction 760, the validation entity/server can register the verificationtoken serial number in the verification token database.

The response to an initial or first validation request can be a firstvalidation or registration test to validate verification token 40. Toinitiate the validation or registration request, verification token 40can send its serial number to validation entity/server 80, along with amessage or validation request encrypted by a key, with the message andkey being a secret shared between verification token 40 and validationentity/server 80 (i.e. not publically known). In some embodiments, thekey can be uniquely associated to the token's serial number. The key canbe an encryption key that includes a symmetric or an asymmetric keypair.

Validation entity/server 80 can have or have access to a database ofserial numbers and the corresponding associated keys or storedalgorithms for generating the keys, and can validate that verificationtoken 40 has sent the correct message for the serial number. For this,verification token 40 may comprise a serial number and unique keyembodied in a computer-readable medium or memory, the unique key beingunique to verification token 40, and code that directs data processor 41to send the serial number and a message encrypted by the unique key tovalidation entity/server 80.

The message may be pre-stored on the computer-readable medium, orderivable/determinable from information known to both verification token40 and validation entity/server 80, such as a message derived from analgorithm applied to the current date, serial number of token 40, and/orsession key of the communication session between token 40 and validationentity/server 80. In this manner, the message sent by token 40 tovalidation entity/server 80 is verifiable by validation entity/server 80using information stored at the validation entity. The computer-readablemedium or memory for the above tasks may be located in computer-readablemedium 42 and/or security module 43. The above codes may include I/Oinstructions to security module 43, and function calls to the API of thecomputer's network services module.

Optionally, verification token 40 can send, from time to time, one ormore pieces of machine-unique information of computer 10 to validationentity/server 80, which may check this information against a database ofcomputer information associated with known fraudsters. Suchmachine-unique information may include the serial numbers of processors,disk drives, and operating systems of computer 10. Verification token 40may comprise code that directs data processor 41 to obtain one or morepieces of machine-unique information from computer 10, and to send themachine-specific information to validation entity/server 80. This codemay include function calls to the API of the computer's operating systemto obtain the information, and function calls to the API of thecomputer's network services module to send the information to validationentity/server 80.

As another option, verification token 40 may be configured to promptuser 1 for a password to activate one or more features of token 40. Thepassword may be stored on a computer-readable medium located in securitymodule 43 or in computer-readable medium 42. The password may beprovided to user 1 on a piece of paper by verification tokenmanufacturer, provider or seller of token 40. Token 40 may be sent touser 1 through the mail by or on behalf of an issuing bank, or may bepurchased by user 1 in a store. Token 40 may be configured to requirethat the password be entered each time the user wishes to present aportable consumer device 5, and/or each time token 40 is coupled to acomputer 10. For this, verification token 40 may further comprise codeembodied on computer-readable medium 42 that directs data processor 41to prompt the user to enter a password on a keyboard of computer 10, toread a password entered by the user, and to compare the entered passwordagainst a stored password embodied on the computer-readable medium. Thiscode may comprise API function calls to the graphical user interface ofthe operating system of computer 10 to open a display box on userinterface 13 to request and receive a password from user 1, I/Oinstructions, memory access instructions, and CPU logical and controlinstructions. Verification token 40 may further comprise one or more ofthe following:

-   -   (1) code embodied on computer-readable medium 42 that directs        data processor 41 to initiate and/or allow the above-described        communications with computer 10 in response to an entered        password matching the stored password;    -   (2) code embodied on computer-readable medium 42 that directs        data processor 41 to initiate and/or allow the above-described        communications with validation entity/server 80 in response to        an entered password matching the stored password;    -   (3) code embodied on computer-readable medium 42 that directs        data processor 41 to activate reader 44 and/or to accept        identification information from reader 44 in response to an        entered password matching the stored password; and    -   (4) code embodied on computer-readable medium 42 that directs        data processor 41 to initiate and/or allow the above-described        transmission of identification information to validation        entity/server 80 in response to entered password matching the        stored password.

These codes can include I/O instructions, memory access instructions,and CPU logical and control instructions. The instructions, alone or incombination, prevent the transmission of identification information tovalidation entity/server 80 when the entered password is not the same asthe stored password, and thereby comprise code embodied on thecomputer-readable medium that directs the data processor for doing so.One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to construct theinstructions and API function calls to implement the above-describedcodes in view of this disclosure without undue experimentation. Asfurther protection, validation token 40 may further comprise codeembodied on computer-readable medium 42 that directs data processor 41to establish a user name for the token by presenting user 1 with adialog box to receive input designating a username, and by storing theusername in computer readable medium 42.

The above codes for processing the password may be further augmented toinclude requesting a username for the token and comparing the receivedusername with the stored username for a match, and including a match asa condition that must be met in each of the four above codes thatinitiate or allow various actions to be done. These codes can includeI/O instructions, memory access instructions, and CPU logical andcontrol instructions.

In each of the embodiments described herein pertaining to verificationtoken 40, verification token 40 can send the identification informationpertaining to portable consumer device 5 to computer 10 in a number offorms, including: (1) unaltered form (“clear form”), (2) encrypted form,(3) hashed formed (e.g., encoded), (4) signed form, (5) or anycombination of these forms. These forms may be generated by portableconsumer device 5, verification token 40, computer 10, or anycombination thereof. In addition, verification token 40 and validationentity/server 80 may perform a mutual authentication process beforeverification token 40 sends the identification information.

In each of the embodiments described herein pertaining to verificationtoken 40, the above codes of token 40 and the identification informationread from device 5 by token 40 may be stored independently of computer10 and may be secure from programs (including spyware and othermalicious programs) running on computer 10. In such implementations, theidentification information is put in secure form (e.g., encrypted,hashed, signed, or combination thereof) by verification token 40 beforethe information is provided to computer 10.

Accordingly, securing the information is not dependent upon the securityof computer 10. Symmetric or asymmetric keys may be used for encryptionand signing. The keys for a verification token 40 may be unique withrespect to other verification tokens (that is, the keys for a token maybe unique to that token). Keys for a token, and particularly symmetrickeys, may be based upon a uniquely assigned serial number for theverification token, which the token can communicate to validationentity/server 80 in an initial communication. Both the verificationtoken and the validation entity/server may have a shared secret on howto derive a key from the token's serial number, such as by manipulatingand/or replacing selected digits of the serial number. A number of keysmay be derived from the unique serial number using respective sharedsecrets. Thus, the challenge and response messages used in a mutualauthentication process between a verification token and a validationentity/server may be signed using respective keys derived from theserial number of the verification token.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a system for updating information stored in acomputer readable medium or memory on verification token 40. In action1, verification token 40 can be connected to computer 10 via a user.Once verification token 40 is connected to computer 10, via a peripheralinterface or other communication interface, verification token 40 canestablish a communications link with computer 10. In some embodiments,the peripheral interface can include a USB or FireWire™ interface aswell as any other peripheral or internal bus interface suitable forestablishing communication and transferring information betweenverification token 40 and computer 10.

Using the communication link between the verification token 40 andcomputer 10, verification token 40, or processor included there on, caninstruct computer 10 to establish a communication session between theverification token and a validation entity/server using computer tensnetwork interface in action 920. In such embodiments, the networkinterface/facility computer 10 can be connected over communicationmedium such as a private computer network or the Internet. In suchembodiments, verification token 40 can comprise executable code thatincludes instructions for the processor of verification token 40 or theprocessor of computer 10 to establish communication using computer 10'snetwork interface. In some embodiments, the code can include a URL orother address for contacting a website or other service operated byvalidation entity/server 80.

Once the communication link between the verification token 40 and thevalidation entity/server 80 is established, computer 10 can downloadexecutable code from validation server entity server 80 that includesinstructions to provide a user with various prompts on computer 10'sdisplay in action 930. The executable code can include HTML or otheruniversally executable code on a computer using a web browser or otherweb-based communication application. The prompts for the user caninclude instructions for the user for initiating, continuing orcompleting a validation request of the verification token 40. Example,computer 10 can prompt the user to enter the serial number ofverification token 40 printed on the exterior of verification token 40.In some embodiments, the serial number printed, etched or engraved onthe verification token 40 is the same as a serial number stored in thecomputer readable medium or memory on the verification token 40. Inother embodiments, the serial number printed, etched or engraved on theverification token 40 is different from or a variation of a serialnumber stored in the computer readable medium or memory on theverification token 40.

If the user enters the proper input to the prompt(s) and the input, oran encrypted version of the input, matches the information stored on theverification token 40 and/or the validation entity/server 80, then a keysession can be established between verification token 40 and validationentity/server 80. In some embodiments, the input in response to theprompt can include a password known only to the authorized user(s) andthe validation entity/server 80, while in other embodiments, the inputin response to the prompt can include some or all of the serial numberread from the exterior or the memory of the verification token 40. Oncethe key session is established, the validation entity/server 80 caninitiate replacing the existing or original key derived from theverification token serial number and/or the validation entity/servermaster key or certificate in action 940. If, under the key session, theverification token 40 and the validation entity/server 80 can perform amutual authentication, then the verification token can allow thevalidation entity/server 80 to replace the original key with a new keyin action 950. In some embodiments, the user can be prompted to allow ordeny the replacement of the existing key on the verification token 40with the new key from the validation e entity/server 80. Finally, thevalidation entity/server 80 can register the serial number ofverification token 40 with the verification token database for futurereference and verification token 40 summits another validation requestfrom time to time in step 960. The verification token database caninclude associations between the original serial number, the originalkey, and each iteration or replacement key is or has been associatedwith verification token 40.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 of a method for using avalidation entity/server 80 to validate a verification token 40according to various embodiments of the present invention. Method 1000begins at action 1010, in which the validation entity/server 80establishes a communication link with a verification token using anetworking facility of the validation entity/server 80. In someembodiments, the communication link is established between validationentities/server 80 and computer 10 to which the verification token 40 isconnected. In other embodiments, verification token 40 validationentity/server 80 are connected directly over a physical connection or awireless connection, such as WiFi™, Bluetooth™, GSM, CDMA, 3G, 4G, orother wireless data or communication protocol. Over the establishedcommunication link, validation entity/server 80 can receive an encryptedidentification information and/or verification token information sent bya verification token 40 at action 1020. As described above, theencrypted or unencrypted identification information and/or verificationtoken information can include a serial number, authentication message, averification token manufacturer identifier and any other informationthat can be used by validation entity/server 80 to perform a mutualauthentication with the verification token 40.

In action 1030, the validation entity/server 80 can parse or decrypt thereceived identification information and/or verification tokeninformation. To parse the received information, the validationentity/server 80 can use information associated with the verificationtoken from which the information was received. In some embodiments, theinformation associated with the verification token includes adelimitation key that indicates to the validation entity/server how toparse the received information into constituent data segments. Forexample, the associated information can include a list of constituentdata segments, delimiters, and the form of the data, i.e. a commadelimited table of strings. In other embodiments, the informationassociated with the verification token can include a correspondingsymmetric or asymmetric key mate to a key stored on or sent from theverification token. The associated information can also include amanufacturer specific master key that was used to sign the key componentstored on the verification token. The master key can be used, inconjunction with the corresponding key component associated with theverification token not stored on the verification token, to decrypt anyinformation signed by the key component stored on the verificationtoken.

The validation entity/server can apply at least one of validation testsdiscussed above to the decrypted information in step 1040. Based on theresults of the validation test or tests, the validation entity/servercan verification value/message to the verification token. If the testsare passed or otherwise deemed satisfactory, then the verificationvalue/message can indicate to the verification token that the validationentity/server is trusted and should be allowed access to the read, writeor replace information stored on the verification token. In otherembodiments, the verification value/message can include information thatcan be used to add to, amend or replace information stored on theverification token. In various embodiments, a processor included in theverification token or the computer to which it is connected can initiatethe read, write or replacement of information stored on the verificationtoken. In such embodiments, information can include a replacement or newkey component that can be used for future transactions and validationrequest sent using the verification token. In corresponding embodiments,the replacement or new key component and the corresponding new keycomponent, i.e. symmetric or asymmetric key pairs, can be stored forfuture reference in validation or transaction requests.

Having described various embodiments and implementations of verificationtoken 40, various embodiments and implementations of validationentity/server are now described. Validation entity/server 80 comprises asystem having one or more servers coupled to a communications networkthat can receive a request from a verification token 40 to process(e.g., to validate) the verification token information and informationthat the token has read from a portable consumer device 5, and toprovide a device verification value (dCVV2) to the token and to paymentprocessing network 70 if the identification information passes one ormore validation tests.

One exemplary server of validation entity/server 80 is shown in FIG. 1.The server comprises one or more processors 81 coupled to each of atangible computer-readable medium 82, a user interface 83, one or moredatabases 86, and a networking facility 84, the latter of which iscoupled to first and second communications networks 31 and 32. Userinterface 83 comprises one or more video output devices (e.g., displays,screens) and one or more input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse,trackball, etc.), which enable an administrator of validationentity/server 80 to receive information from the server and to provideinput to the server. Computer-readable medium 82 may comprise acombination of semiconductor memory and non-volatile storage, such asone or more disk drives and/or non-volatile memory.

Computer-readable medium 82 stores an operating system for the server,which enables processes and applications to be run by processor(s) 81,and enables codes for directing the operation of processor(s) 81 to berun. The operating system provides services to these processes andapplications, and enables these processes and applications to accesscomponents of user interface 83, portions of computer-readable medium82, networking facility 84, and other components of validationentity/server 80.

The operating system may be full featured. Specifically, the operatingsystem provides one or more I/O communications modules that enableprocessor(s) 81 to communicate with user interface 83 and databases 86.Each I/O communications module has an application programming interface(API) with a collection of functions that a processor 81 can call inorder to access the components. The operating system of validationentity/server 80 can also comprise one or more network services modulesthat can access networking facility 84 and set up communication sessionsto entities on communications networks 31 and 32, and with SMS relayserver 35.

Such network services modules include Microsoft's Windows CommunicationsFoundation (e.g., .NET 3.0, .NET 4.0, etc.), Apple's CFNetworkFramework, the networking section of the Unix and Linux operating systemkernels, and the OS Services Layer and the Base Services Layer of theSymbian™ operating system, and the like. Each of these network servicesmodules can be non-exclusive (e.g., capable of serving more than oneprocessor and more than one process/application) and each provides anapplication programming interface (API), which has a collection offunctions that a processor 81 can call in order to manage communicationswith another entity. With these API facilities, a collection of APIfunction calls can be readily constructed for a processor to executethat enables the processor to establish a communications channel with anentity on a communications network coupled to networking facility 84,and to exchange messages and data with the entity. The above operatingsystem, modules, and APIs all include instructions that direct theoperation of processor(s) 81.

One or more databases 86 may be configured as database servers, whichprocessor(s) 81 can access via networking facility 84 over a privatecommunications network 87, which is illustrated by the dashed line inFIG. 1. Validation entity/server 80 conventionally has a clock 88 fortracking time and dates for various applications. Clock 88 may be asimple counter of seconds, or fractions thereof, that can be read byprocessor 81 by an I/O operation, or may comprise a more complexarrangement of hardware or firmware that can provide the variouscomponents of the current date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute,and second) in various registers that can be read by processor 81through the execution of one or more I/O operations.

Validation entity/server 80 can process identification informationtransmitted from a plurality of different verification tokens 40 (e.g.;millions of tokens), and can process any number of transmissions by aparticular token 40. Validation entity/server 80 applies one or morevalidation tests to verification token 40. For these tasks, validationentity/server 80 may comprise code embodied on computer-readable medium82 that directs data processor 81 to communicate with computer 10 andverification token 40 using networking facility 84 over communicationsnetwork 31. This code may include instructions that establish acommunications session with computer 10, including the option ofestablishing an SSL session with mutual authentication and encryptionbased on a triple DES algorithm, and instructions for sending andreceiving messages to verification token 40 through the communicationssession.

Validation entity/server 80 may further comprise code embodied oncomputer-readable medium 82 that directs data processor 81 to receiveencrypted identification information sent by verification token 40, andcode that directs data processor 81 to decrypt the encryptedidentification information. The identification information may beencrypted by a session key of an SSL session or by an encryption keystored in verification token 40 and known to validation entity/server80, or may be doubly encrypted by both keys. The latter key may beuniquely assigned to the token. Validation entity/server 80 may furthercomprise code embodied on computer-readable medium 82 that directs dataprocessor 81 to apply one or more validation tests as previouslydescribed above. Data processor 81 may access databases 86 in performingthe one or more validation tests. The validation tests and codestherefore are described below in greater detail. These codes and codesdescribed below for validation entity/server 80 may be implemented inany number of programming languages. Furthermore, one of ordinary skillin the art will be readily able to construct instructions to implementthese codes in view of this disclosure without undue experimentation.

As described above, a first validation test that validationentity/server 80 may apply pertains to verifying that verification token40 is authentic. For this, verification token 40 may send its serialnumber to validation entity/server 80, along with a test messageencrypted by an encryption key, with the test message and encryption keybeing known to token 40 and validation entity/server 80 (but not thegeneral public), and with the encryption key further being uniquelyassigned to the token's serial number.

Validation entity/server 80 may access a database of token serialnumbers and corresponding uniquely-associated encryption keys in one ofdatabases 86, and may determine whether verification token 40 has sent acorrect test message for the serial number that the token provided. Thetest message may be fixed or variable; in the latter case it may begenerated based on information known to both token 40 and validationentity/server 80. The test message may be encrypted and decrypted by atriple DES algorithm, which can be implemented by a number of well knownsets of computer instructions.

If the sent test message is correct, the first validation test can bedeemed to have been passed. For this, validation entity/server 80 maycomprise code embodied on computer-readable medium 82 that directs dataprocessor 81 to receive one or more messages from verification token 40via networking facility 84 that has the token's serial number andencrypted test message, code that directs data processor 81 to decryptthe encrypted test message, code that directs data processor 81 toobtain one or more acceptable messages that can be accepted as thecorrect test message from one of databases 86, and code that directsdata processor 81 to compare the decrypted test message to the one ormore acceptable messages to determine if the first validation test hasbeen passed (in the case of a match between the decrypted test messageand an acceptable message), or has been failed (in the case of no suchmatch). An acceptable message may be obtained by accessing it directlyfrom one of databases 86, or by generating it from information stored inone or more of databases 86. The above codes can be implemented withconventional I/O instructions, API function calls to databases, memoryaccess instructions, CPU arithmetic and logic instructions, and CPUcontrol instructions. In view of this disclosure, the codes may beimplemented by one of ordinary skill in the art without undueexperimentation.

As a second validation test, validation entity/server 80 may have adatabase in databases 86 that tracks the serial numbers of verificationtokens that have been used in fraudulent activities, and validationentity/server 80 may check the serial number of verification token 40against this database. If a check of this database indicates thatverification token 40 has not been involved in fraudulent activity, thesecond validation test can be deemed to have been passed.

To implement the second validation test, validation entity/server 80 maycomprise code embodied on computer-readable medium 82 that directs dataprocessor 81 to receive a message from verification token 40 vianetworking facility 84 that has the token's serial number, code thatdirects data processor 81 to have the received serial number comparedwith serial numbers stored in a database of databases 86 that storesserial numbers of tokens used in fraudulent transactions to determine ifthe second validation test has been passed (no fraudulent activity), orhas been failed (fraudulent activity). The above codes can beimplemented with conventional I/O instructions, API function calls todatabases, memory access instructions, CPU logic instructions, and CPUcontrol instructions. In view of this disclosure, the codes may beimplemented by one of ordinary skill in the art without undueexperimentation.

As a third validation test, validation entity/server 80 may send amessage to verification token 40 requesting that token 40 send it one ormore pieces of computer-specific information about computer 10, such asthe serial numbers of one or more of the following: the computer'sprocessor, one or more of the computer's disk drives, the computer'soperating system. Validation entity/server 80 may receive thisinformation and check it against a database storing computer-specificinformation of computers known to have been involved in fraudulentactivity. If a check of this database indicates that the computer 10used by verification token 40 has not been involved in fraudulentactivity, the third validation test can be deemed to have been passed.

To implement the third validation test, validation entity/server 80 maycomprise code embodied on computer-readable medium 82 that directs dataprocessor 81 to send a message to verification token 40 requestingcomputer-specific information (if verification token 40 has not sentsuch information beforehand without prompting), code that directs dataprocessor 81 to receive one or more data messages from verificationtoken 40 via networking facility 84 that have the token's serial numberand the computer-specific information, and code that directs dataprocessor 81 to have the received computer-specific information comparedwith computer-specific information stored in a database (of databases86) that stores computer-specific information of computers used infraudulent transactions to determine if the third validation test hasbeen passed (no fraudulent activity), or has been failed (fraudulentactivity). The above codes can be implemented with conventional I/Oinstructions, API function calls to databases, memory accessinstructions, CPU logic instructions, and CPU control instructions. Inview of this disclosure, the codes may be implemented by one of ordinaryskill in the art without undue experimentation.

Validation entity/server 80 may comprise a website accessible to theuser 1 that enables the user: (1) to create a password-protected accountassociated with the serial number of the token, the latter of which maybe provided on a slip of paper originally sent with the token; (2) toassociate an e-mail address to be used for one or more of theabove-described alerts; (3) to associate a mobile number and/or URID(e.g., network address) of the user's communications device 5 to be usedfor one or more of the above-described alerts; and (4) to select one ormore of the above-described alert conditions. The website may alsoenable the user to provide and associate the account numbers for one ormore of the user's devices 5 with the password-protected account, andmay further enable the user to associate the e-mails and mobile numbersfor the alerts to particular devices 5 according to their accountnumbers. One of databases 86 may be assigned to hold thepassword-protected accounts of the users. When validation entity/server80 receives a validation request from verification token 40, it canquery this database to find the user's password-protected account (e.g.,identify the user from the token's serial number and/or the accountnumber sent in the identification information), and determine what textmessage alerts are to be generated and sent based on the parametersstored in the password-protected account. The above codes and actionscan be implemented with HTML page codes (e.g., web pages), conventionalI/O instructions, memory access instructions, database API functioncalls, CPU arithmetic instructions, CPU logic instructions, and CPUcontrol instructions. In view of this disclosure, the codes may beimplemented by one of ordinary skill in the art without undueexperimentation.

It may be appreciated that some implementations of verification token 40may be configured to work with selected consumer payment devices 5, suchas those issued by a selected bank, or configured to work with aselected merchant website 20.

In yet further implementations, verification token 40 may contain theURID of validation entity/server 80, which handles validation requestsfor several different co-branded portable consumer devices 5. Inaddition, each of these co-branded devices 5 may hold a URID to aco-branding merchant. The merchant URID is read by verification token 40and provided to a validation entity/server along with the device'sidentification information. Validation entity/server 80 can send thevalidated identification information to the merchant URID.

Embodiments of the invention are not limited to authentication systemsinvolving transactions. The same approach could be applied for otherauthentication systems. For example, embodiments could be used toauthenticate a user using an online banking application. A cardholdermay enter his user ID into a banking website. The cardholder can thenpresent his or her portable consumer device to a verification token. Thebanking website can validate the User ID and the token credentials bycommunicating with a validation entity.

Embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above-describedembodiments. For example, although separate functional blocks are shownfor an issuer, payment processing system, and acquirer, some entitiesperform all of these functions and may be included in embodiments ofinvention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of typical computer system 1100 configured toexecute computer readable code to implement various functions andactions according to various embodiments of the present invention.

System 1100 is representative of a computer system capable of embodyingthe present invention. The computer system can be present in or used toimplement any of the method or computer or server computer embodimentsin FIGS. 1 to 10. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art that many other hardware and software configurations aresuitable for use with the present invention. For example, the computermay be a desktop, portable, rack-mounted or tablet configuration.Additionally, the computer may be a series of networked computers.Further, the use of other micro processors are contemplated, such asXeon™, Pentium™ or Core™ microprocessors; Turion™ 64, Opteron™ orAthlon™ microprocessors from Advanced Micro Devices, Inc; and the like.Further, other types of operating systems are contemplated, such asWindows®, WindowsXP®, WindowsNT®, or the like from MicrosoftCorporation, Solaris from Sun Microsystems, LINUX, UNIX, and the like.In still other embodiments, the techniques described above may beimplemented upon a chip or an auxiliary processing board. Variousembodiments may be based upon systems provided by daVinci, Pandora,Silicon Color, or other vendors.

In one embodiment, computer system 1100 typically includes a display1110, computer 1120, a keyboard 1130, a user input device 1140,communication or network interface 1150, and the like. In variousembodiments, display (monitor) 1110 may be embodied as a CRT display, anLCD display, a plasma display, a direct-projection or rear-projectionDLP, a microdisplay, or the like. In various embodiments, display 1110may be used to display user interfaces and rendered images.

In various embodiments, user input device 1140 is typically embodied asa computer mouse, a trackball, a track pad, a joystick, wireless remote,drawing tablet, voice command system, and the like. User input device1140 typically allows a user to select objects, icons, text and the likethat appear on the display 1111 via a command such as a click of abutton or the like. An additional specialized user input device 1145,such a magnetic stripe, RFID transceiver or smart card reader may alsobe provided in various embodiments. In other embodiments, user inputdevice 1145 include additional computer system displays (e.g. multiplemonitors). Further user input device 1145 may be implemented as one ormore graphical user interfaces on such a display.

Embodiments of computer interfaces 1150 typically include an Ethernetcard, a modem (telephone, satellite, cable, ISDN), (asynchronous)digital subscriber line (DSL) unit, FireWire interface, USB interface,and the like. For example, computer interfaces 1150 may be coupled to acomputer network, to a FireWire bus, or the like. In other embodiments,computer interfaces 1150 may be physically integrated on the motherboardof computer 1120, may be a software program, such as soft DSL, or thelike.

RAM 1170 and disk drive 1180 are examples of computer-readable tangiblemedia configured to store data such user, account and transaction leveldata, calculated aggregated data, super keys, sub keys and otherexecutable computer code, human readable code, or the like. Other typesof tangible media include magnetic storage media such as floppy disks,networked hard disks, or removable hard disks; optical storage mediasuch as CD-ROMS, DVDs, holographic memories, or bar codes; semiconductormedia such as flash memories, read-only-memories (ROMS); battery-backedvolatile memories; networked storage devices, and the like.

In the present embodiment, computer system 1100 may also includesoftware that enables communications over a network such as the HTTP,TCP/IP, RTP/RTSP protocols, and the like. In alternative embodiments ofthe present invention, other communications software and transferprotocols may also be used, for example IPX, UDP or the like.

In various embodiments, computer 1120 typically includes familiarcomputer components such as a processor 1160, and memory storagedevices, such as a random access memory (RAM) 1170, disk drives 1180,and system bus 1190 interconnecting the above components.

In some embodiments, computer 1100 includes one or more Xeonmicroprocessors from Intel. Further, in the present embodiment, computer1120 typically includes a UNIX-based operating system.

It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention asdescribed above can be implemented in the form of control logic usingcomputer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on thedisclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill inthe art will know and appreciate other ways and/or methods to implementthe present invention using hardware and a combination of hardware andsoftware

Any of the software components or functions described in thisapplication, may be implemented as software code to be executed by aprocessor using any suitable computer language such as, for example,Java, C++ or Perl using, for example, conventional or object-orientedtechniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions,or commands on a computer readable medium, such as a random accessmemory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as ahard-drive or a floppy disk, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Anysuch computer readable medium may reside on or within a singlecomputational apparatus, and may be present on or within differentcomputational apparatuses within a system or network.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claimsalong with their full scope or equivalents.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one ormore features of any other embodiment without departing from the scopeof the invention.

A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

1. A method comprising: receiving a registration request from averification token manufacturer at a server computer; retrievinginformation related to the verification token manufacturer using theserver computer; and generating a manufacturer specific key pair usingthe server computer.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingperforming a risk review based on the information related to theverification token manufacturer using the server computer.
 3. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: assigning the manufacturer specific keypair to the verification token manufacturer using the server computer;and generating a verification token manufacturer key certificate basedon the manufacturer specific key pair using the server computer.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the manufacturer specific key pair comprises apublic and a private component.
 5. The method of claim 4 furthercomprising: signing the public component of the manufacturer specifickey pair with a master authentication certificate using the servercomputer; and sending the signed component of the manufacturer specifickey pair and the verification token manufacturer key certificate to theverification token manufacturer.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: associating the manufacturer specific key pair, theverification token manufacturer public key certificate and the signedpublic component of the manufacturer specific key pair with averification token manufacturer identifier using the server computer;and storing the associated reader-device manufacturer identifier in adatabase.
 7. A method comprising: receiving an validation request from averification token at a server; and determining a verification tokenserial number based on the validation request using the server; anddetermining a registration status of the verification token serialnumber.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising determining averification token specific key pair comprising a public component and aprivate component based on the serial number.
 9. The of claim 8 furthercomprising signing a challenge message with the private component andsending it to the verification token.
 10. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising determining a verification token manufacturer identifierbased on the validation request and determining a first component of amanufacturer specific key pair based on the verification tokenmanufacturer identifier using the server and singing the challengemessage with the first component of a manufacturer specific key pair.11. The method of claim 10 further comprising retrieving a secondcomponent of the manufacturer specific key and a verification tokenmanufacturer master key from a database based on the device manufactureridentifier using the server; and performing a mutual authentication withthe verification token using the server.
 12. The method of claim 11wherein performing the mutual authentication comprises: determining averification token key based on the verification token serial number andthe verification token manufacturer master key; and establishing averification token key session based on the verification token key. 13.The method of claim 12 wherein establishing a verification token keysession further comprises: generating a third component of themanufacturer specific key based on the verification token serial numberand a master key associated with the server computer.
 14. A methodcomprising: generating a serial number for a verification token;generating a key pair including a public component and a privatecomponent; storing the private component of the key pair to a memory inthe verification token; and associating the serial number with the keypair and the private component.
 15. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising storing the serial number to the memory in the verificationtoken.
 16. The method of claim 15 further wherein generating the keypair comprises signing the public component of the key pair with amanufacturer specific master key to generate a verification token publiccertificate.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising storing amanufacturer identifier to the memory of the verification token.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising storing code executable on aprocessor to establish a connection with a verification server over acommunication session using a communication facility of a computer towhich the verification token is connected.
 19. The method of claim 17further comprising storing the verification token public certificate tothe memory.